Archipelago Labs Launches Tech Startups

Over the weekend, the first startup accelerator for tech startups launched its Demo Day, in which five selected startups presented their business models to investors and fellow tech-savvy entrepreneurs.

Photo Insert: Lance Pormarejo, Executive Director of A-Labs said he conceptualized the startup accelerator to cater to Filipino tech professionals, after stints in Seedstars World, a Swiss-based startup, Japan’s 500 Start-ups, and MaGIC of Malaysia.

The Saturday launch on the 15th floor of the Arthaland Tower in BGC showed that Filipino tech entrepreneurs can clearly prove their mettle in the new world of the Web3 ecosystem, considered the future of the Internet.

Archipelago Labs or A-Labs, which selected the first five out of the 100 aspiring tech businesses, did handholding sessions with the five early-stage start-ups through a 12-week session where the participants went through had access to A-Labs mentorship and expert advisory, open office sessions, and networking opportunities that helped in refining their business models.

The first cohort of startups who completed the A-LAB Incubation Program were Synthillate, a fintech startup that converts intellectual properties into financial assets; Ridge, a plug-and-play artificial intelligence (AI) platform that empowers the food and beverage industry to leverage advanced analytics for operational efficiency, optimized menu and promotions, and maximized profits; Gamer Points, an ad tech integrated game platform that allows gamers to passively earn while playing video games; Nexhire, a community-driven talent marketplace that connects individuals with the surging demand for next-gen jobs; and Twine, an AI-powered decentralized social layer that allows its users to monetize their personalities and own their social circles.

All five, who were helped with A-Labs' comprehensive incubation and acceleration efforts, presented their respective tech businesses complete with Go to Market strategy. All startups received resounding approval during the beta testing of their respective business models.

For instance, Synthillate was able to entice owners of Intellectual Property from South Korea to try the business model while in the case of Gamer Points, another 500 gamers were qued while 100 selected gamers were going through the beta testing of the business model that allows gamers to earn while playing and with brands already lining up for the said tech start-up.

Twine is seen to have an explosive start with the way it was configured where an AI-assisted infrastructure assures the ownership of the social circle of, say an Internet user, while Ridge, another AI-powered tech, will tell restaurants and food business establishments when to source an ingredient based on orders.

Nexhire, which had a successful beta testing in which it was able to connect a firm with a job order to a worthy candidate, relies on a tech community that it will tap for the startup.

Lance Pormarejo, Executive Director of A-Labs said he conceptualized the startup accelerator to cater to Filipino tech professionals, after stints in Seedstars World, a Swiss-based startup, Japan’s 500 Start-ups, and MaGIC of Malaysia.

He said he opted to go back to the Philippines to help energize the vibrant tech community in the country.

Pormajero, who cooked up Goodmeal Hunting, where home-based cooks with authentic dishes, can sell their favorite recipes within Metro Manila, believes that “By providing aspiring tech entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, guidance, and funding,” Filipino tech-savvy businessmen will achieve “groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of the local tech industry.

"Archipelago Labs is committed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Philippines, and with the launch of ALAB Cohort 1, we are taking a giant leap forward in achieving this goal,” Pormarejo said.

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